NFL Draft 2020: New England Patriots select Virginia Tech TE Dalton Keene in third round

The New England Patriots selected former Virginia Tech tight end Dalton Keene with the No. 101 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Friday. In fact, the Patriots moved up to select Keene.

Sure, Tom Brady is no longer with the Patriots and that’s a big deal. But can you think of a better place for Keene to start his NFL career?

New England coach Bill Belichick knows football better than anyone. He saw what most Virginia Tech fans saw in the versatile and underutilized Keene. Keene can offer the Patriots a number of things. He is also a solid blocker and underrated athlete. He was the second tight end the Patriots picked in the third round.

Keene, who chose to forgo his final year in Blacksburg, was projected by many analysts to go in the fifth or sixth round. An overall weak tight end class helped Keene’s cause, too.

Best of luck, Dalton. We’ll sure miss you in Blacksburg.